Crohns, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction- All connected?

[RyanB97]

My Story-
Hello, my names Ryan and I've been suffering with Crohn's/Colitis since I was 11, I'm turning 19 October. I've recently gone through a stage of bad health (Depression/Anxiety) which I think stems down from my condition which was catalysed by a traumatic event. Forgive me if I sound ignorant(please correct me), I'm new to this forum and I'm looking for help with the connections as I'm far from medically minded.

My understanding-
Crohns causes disrupted unhealthy bacteria leading to low tyrosine which leads to low dopamine. Low dopamine causing a large imbalance in brain chemistry and the effects from low dopamine. Also due to how the condition makes you feel mentally about yourself also adding to low dopamine and serotonin. This all adding together to lead to other problems.

From my research, I don't know if this has been discussed on the forum before, but am I right in thinking they are all connected?

Explained-

1. Crohn's disease leading to disrupted unhealthy gut bacteria.
2. Unhealthy gut bacteria affects the brain chemistry. /
3. Unhealthy gut bacteria leads to low serotonin and dopamine levels. Am I right thinking its due to low amino acid/vitamin D adsorption. Tyrosine(amino acid) being a precursor for dopamine. 'An overabundance of bad bacteria leaves toxic byproducts called lipopolysaccharides which lowerlevels of dopamine'
4. Low levels of serotonin and dopamine cause depression, anxiety,lack of motivation, fatigue, inability to feel pleasure, low libido, sleep problems, mood swings, memory loss, lack of concentration.
5. Low dopamine causing addiction due need the quick hit from a substance which can lead to self destructive tendencies.
6. Supplementing with certain supplements can help your Crohn's and brain chemistry.

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome. I know a lot of people with IBD have depression and anxiety.

 

[aypues]

Crohn's certainly doesn't help but a lot of people in their teens and 20's have problems with this - there isn't a direct correlation. It's a hard time where you becoming an adult and have to make it in the world which can be stressful. I would get into therapy and on an antidepressant if indicated right away. You'll make it through. Try to focus on other things like school work and your future plans/goals/aspirations.

 

[D Bergy]

My depression which I had over thirty years started in my teens was directly caused by lack of omega three fatty acids. Krill oil resolved it completely. That is not the cause for everyone, but it is one cause for some of us.

Good luck.

Dan

 

[Beach]

Food for thought, something to keep in mind, it is a theory that manipulating serotonin and dopamine levels helps with depression relief. That theory came somewhat into question a few years ago. What happened is that it was revealed drug firms that create drugs manipulating serotonin and dopamine levels had not published studies that were damaging to the theory.

As a result there are some that believe these medications labeled as anti depressants work little better than placebos that a nasty side effect of being addictive. You can read some about that here ~

"Antidepressants generally no better than placebo, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to stop"

http://www.drbriffa.com/2008/02/27/...ebo-but-that-doesnt-mean-theyre-easy-to-stop/

From what I've read there are all kinds of theories on the cause of IBD conditions and psychological effects. I remember the author of the GAPS diet wrote a good amount on this. She theorizes about the importance of healthy bacteria and a healthy diet plays a large role mind and body soundness.

There are also those that write about grains, particularly wheat, having an opiate addictive quality to it, causing depression and mood swings in some. Stopping the consumption of wheat some write will remove the opiate from the diet.

The medication low dose naltrexone (LDN) taken by some with IBD conditions and autoimmune diseases report often times an improvement in health and lifting of depression. LDN is thought to work by creating feel good endorphins in the body.

Endorphins can be created also when sunbathing, which also raises vitamin D levels.

Some information on LDN can be read about on this sight in the treatment section. There are also a few web sights dedicated to LDN's positive health effects along with books.

http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

 

[DEmberton]

My depression which I had over thirty years started in my teens was directly caused by lack of omega three fatty acids. Krill oil resolved it completely. That is not the cause for everyone, but it is one cause for some of us.

Good luck.

Dan

That's very interesting. I don't know for 100% but I think the depression I had for years was caused by a B12 deficiency, which of course was caused by my immune system attacking my Ileum.

I've been a hell of a lot better since I started getting injections (though it's also true that I had surgery around the same time). Interestingly I've observed that I feel miserable the day after an injection, but quickly bounce back and start feeling optimistic again. The first couple of times I thought it must be a coincidence, but it happens every single time. Weird.

Although I often thought I should see a doctor about depression I never did, but I'm glad in a way as most likely they'd have put me on anti-depressants and completely missed the real cause.

 

[D Bergy]

Pretty much my reason not to seek out help for my depression. I wasn't willing to use the medications and I already had dealt with it for most my life. Resolving it was an accident while trying to treat my Crohns.

Yes, I can see where lack of B12 could alter your mood. There are lots of potential causes and there could be more than one cause also.

I use sublingual B12 and that is keeping the level normal. I also supplement with D3 as that affects immunity and also can alter the brains thought process. Fix it all. It certainly is worth the effort. It probably will not halt the Crohns, but it is a step in that direction. Might help to a degree.

Dan

 

[dejavucandace]

I found this whole thread very interesting. I suspect I have had low mood for many years. Never been treated nor had I any idea that bad gut or out of balance vitamin levels could have such an impact. I think conventional doctors need to spend more time on this topic rather than just pushing a synthetic pill at everyone.

 

[D Bergy]

My mood swings were almost manic. I would be at the top of the world a few days and felt I could do anything. The next few days I didn't want to get out of bed and felt nothing was worth any effort. Very tough on the people around me also. Very debilitating.

Worse than Crohns in my mind, although that is no cake walk either.

I agree that if you are trying to improve someone's mental or physical health, the first line of defense should be to check for abnormal measurable characteristics in that person. You can measure vitamin D &B blood levels. You can measure good cholesterol in the blood which is tied to omega three intake. The cholesterol ratio can be altered substantially by diet and or supplements.

Magnesium is not easily measured but is critical for about every bodily function. I supplement it because there is not much potential downside to doing so. If anyone is deficient in these it certainly will be deficient in a person with intestinal problems.

It would seem to be common sense for general health if nothing else.

Dan

 

[Red Rabbit]

My mood swings were almost manic. I would be at the top of the world a few days and felt I could do anything. The next few days I didn't want to get out of bed and felt nothing was worth any effort. Very tough on the people around me also. Very debilitating.

Worse than Crohns in my mind, although that is no cake walk either.

I agree that if you are trying to improve someone's mental or physical health, the first line of defense should be to check for abnormal measurable characteristics in that person. You can measure vitamin D &B blood levels. You can measure good cholesterol in the blood which is tied to omega three intake. The cholesterol ratio can be altered substantially by diet and or supplements.

Magnesium is not easily measured but is critical for about every bodily function. I supplement it because there is not much potential downside to doing so. If anyone is deficient in these it certainly will be deficient in a person with intestinal problems.

It would seem to be common sense for general health if nothing else.

Dan

I was also manic for over 10 years. It came to a full mental breakdown and then I started anti depressants. They were not a magic pill at first but I got better. After a year I weaned myself off them. I was managing for a few years but became manic and seriously depressed.
I reluctantly started my pills again but I now feel on the level and I will never stop taking them again because it's not worth living a miserable existence without them.

My anti depressants are not placebo. They have a real impact on my well being. Yes there may be an underlying deficiency or it could be just Crohns (the two had coincided) but I have a way to live my life and be happy.

Whatever you believe, don't leave it because you don't need to live with it.

 

[D Bergy]

It is a miserable way to go day to day. I am glad you found a solution that works for you.

I suppose that would be a good message to keep out there for those suffering with similar conditions that there are solutions that can help. You have to have some faith that others have improved, and you can also. It will take some trial and error, but it can be worth the effort.

Like Crohn's disease itself. Never give up.

Dan